community action plan balloch haldane · 2019. 6. 8. · cosmetic improvements to the balloch...

& COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 9

Balloch Haldane

| C O M M u n i t y A C t i O n P l A n 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 92

Balloch & Haldane Community Action Plan 2014-2019

this Action Plan updates and replaces the previous plan which was developed in 2008. Since then the previous plan has supported the successful delivery of a number of actions such as:

the construction of the new Moss O’ Balloch play area and landscaping

the successful development of the Mill Cabin recreation facility

Regeneration of the Haldane housing area to include new high quality social and private housing

upgraded paths and lighting within Balloch Country Park

Cosmetic improvements to the Balloch public toilets

Newpublicbenchesandflowerbedsat the heart of Balloch Main Street

We have developed this plan with support from the loch lomond and trossachs Community Partnership and the input from a wide cross section of the community.

A Community Action Plan (CAP) steering group was set up with representatives from the Community Council, local businesses, youth services and active community members representing the community as a whole. We would like to thank those who volunteered their time as steering group members for their dedication and hard work in developing this exciting document.

3

Thanks to everyone who participated

OUr COMMUNITY OUr VOICe

this community action plan has been developed through extensive consultation with the wider Balloch and Haldane community. A random selection of residences across the community were given the opportunity to complete a household survey with additional forms available from the local library.

in addition to this a number stakeholder interviews were carried out by our dedicated Community Agent Ann Gillen to whom we are thankful for her support. Finally the community were given the opportunity to view and comment on those recommendations made through a community open event held in the St Kessog’s Church hall. We would like to thank everyone for their contributions upon which this action plan has been developed.

inteRvieWS

PeOPle AttendedOPen dAy

SuRveyS RetuRned

B A l l O C H & H A l d A n e |

Our Community now

eMPLOYMeNT & LOCAL eCONOMY

the majority of employers in Balloch and Jamestown are commercial enterprises. Most of these enterprises are tourism and hospitality related with over 80 businesses trading. the secondmostsignificantsectorisretailwithover20outlets.Publicservice is represented by the prestigious Head Quarters of the national Park Authority located in the community alongside other important services jobs in education. Many people commute into and out of the area for work.

rOADS & TrANSPOrT

Balloch has good road, rail, bus and cycle connections and is a gateway to the national Park. the A82 dual carriageway connects to Glasgow and the central Scotland motorway system as well as north along loch lomondside. Balloch train station provides a link to the national rail network and Balloch also has a busy bus stance with bus services connecting throughout the wider area. Glasgow international Airport is 25 minutes drive away. national Cycle Route 7 passes through Balloch, West loch lomond Cycle Path Regional Route 40 to tarbet starts at Balloch, and connects with Regional route 41 to Helensburgh at Arden.

COMMUNITY OrGANISATIONS & FACILITIeS

Balloch does not have a community centre but the three church halls are used by the wider community for a range of activities and functions, the national Park Headquarters also provides lets for clubs and groups, however these are running at capacity anditisverydifficulttogetspace.Manydifferentsocialand sporting groups have regular bookings for the available locations, with more than 30 different community groups active within the area. the recently completed Mill Cabin at the inler Park provides much needed changing facilities for football teams and additional space for community groups. Suitable meeting space is at a premium in the whole area. the 900 homes within the Mill of Haldane area now has an active tenants and Residents Association.

TheinformationbelowsummarisesthemainfactsandfiguresfromtheCommunityProfileand some of the views gathered through our Community views Survey and open event.

LOCATION

located at the southern end of loch lomond, Balloch & Haldane Community Council area comprises Balloch, Mill of Haldane and Jamestown on the edge of the vale of leven and dumbarton conurbation. Balloch is the southern gateway to loch lomond and the trossachs national Park. it is a tourist hub and the site of the national Park Headquarters. this Action Plan deals with the whole of Balloch & Haldane Community Council area, however not all of the community council area falls within the national Park.

POPULATION

the population of Balloch & Haldane Community Council Area is around 6,000 comprising over 2,500 separate households. this figuredoesnotprovideagoodbasis for planning purposes as our area is separated only by historical boundaries from the much larger vale of leven conurbation. Balloch village shopping and eateries are mostly on Balloch Road with loch lomond Shores shopping and recreation complex about a mile away, which has a footfall exceeding one million per annum. detailed population information can be found via www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk


eDUCATION

there are 3 Primary Schools within the Balloch & Haldane Community Council area. there is no secondary school in the immediate area, the nearest Schools are the recently constructed vale of leven Academy in Alexandria and Our lady’s & St Patrick’s High School in dumbarton.

HeALTH SerVICeS

A mile from Balloch we have the vale Centre for Health and Care, a new state of the art facility comprising three large general practices, dietectics, podiatry, speech & language therapy, primary care mental health, physiotherapy and a large dental complex including a general dental practice. Close to this we have the vale of leven district General Hospital with a Minor injuries unit, General Medicine, Woman’s Health, Orthopaedics, Maternity Services & after 6pm it is the base for our Primary Care Out of Hours Service.

LeISUre & reCreATION

the open spaces in and around Balloch provide a wide range of leisure and recreation opportunities for visitors and locals alike. it makes an ideal hub for cycling. Walkers have plenty of scope from parkland to the three lochs Way that starts from Balloch. Attractions include the recently improved Balloch Castle Country Park with play areas and renovated walled garden. the Moss o’ Balloch, home of loch lomond Highland Games has a very modern play area for children.

A public slipway for pleasure craft is provided with amenities by the national Park Authority. Close by at Balloch Pier is the paddle steamer “Maid of the loch”, currently static, is open tovisitors.BallochVillagehasaPostOffice,Chemist,Giftshops, co-op supermarket, hotels, restaurants and Sweeney’s Cruises providing sailings to loch lomond for visitors from the centreofBallochwiththeirfleetofpleasureboats.TheLochlomond Shores development has retail crescent, restaurant, aquarium, canoe & cycle hire and leisure attractions with ample free parking. despite all of these attractions, lack of indoor recreational facilities limits the opportunity to make Balloch an all weather year round tourist destination.

HOUSING

Housing within B&HCC area is a mix of good quality, socially rented, shared-ownership and private developments. the Mill of Haldane, once an entirely social rented estate, has recently completed a major regeneration project where high quality housing of all categories now provides another attractive residential location within our area.

eNVIrONMeNT & HerITAGe

loch lomond and its surrounding hillsprovideamagnificentbackdrop and opportunities to explore the countryside right on Balloch and Haldane’s doorstep. the parkland landscape of Balloch Castle Country Park provides a living link to the heritage of the area. the ‘A’ listed Castle built in 1808 (closed for restoration) stands in a prominent location. Also, the site of the 13th-century castle, a listed ancient monument, can still be found close to the river. the park is noted for its trees andbutterflies.

the River leven, enjoyed by salmonfishermen,flowsthroughBalloch on its way from the loch to the Clyde. there is wildlife to be seen throughout the year with several species of duck wintering including many goosanders.

5B A l l O C H & H A l d A n e |


Community views SurveyLikes

What we said about our top likes.

“ It’s a great place to live in, wouldn’t change anything ”

“ With all the extra Police patrols the area has certainly quietened down. Keep up the good work ”

“ The various bodies to do with tourism and development are doing a great job ”

“ The area is a hidden treasure ”

Balloch & Moss O’Balloch Parks

B A l l O C H & H A l d A n e | 7

Community views SurveyDislikes

What we said about our dislikes.

“ It’s sad to see the banks of the River Leven being left to erode ”

“ If we don’t use the strengths the area has to offer things will decline ”

“ Hate what is happening to Balloch castle. It could be a real asset to our community if put to proper use”

“ Indiscriminate parking on Balloch Road ”

“ No real link between Lomond Shores and the village ”

345

68

109Anti-Social Behaviour

34DISLIkeD

DISLIkeD

DISLIkeD

50DISLIkeD

Quality of Visitor attractions and Local Services

Litter and Dog fouling

Lack of sports clubs and facilities

48DISLIkeD

Public Toilets, Signage and Condition of roads


Balloch & Haldane: Our vision for the future


the type of place we want Balloch to be:Balloch will be an inclusive community that welcomes tourists and provides amenities for all, where businesses prosper and the environment is managed to ensure a sustainable legacy for future generations. to achieve this, we will strive to become:

A thriving community......determined to make changes for the better. using “growth” positively to develop the village and its environsinwaysthatbenefitthewhole community through continuing improvements to the environment and our local facilities and services, to keep moving with the times.

A well maintained destination......a community which protects and enhances its built and natural environment with the River leven, Balloch Castle and the ‘Maid of the loch’ as Jewels in it’s crown.

An active and safe community......where visitors and locals feel comfortable to enjoy the area. A community that deals positively with antisocial behaviour and has superb social and community amenities, for young and old alike. Promoting good community spirit and drawing closer links with neighbouring communities.

The Gateway to the National Park......a well publicised and well promoted open and welcoming area for tourists with facilities for both visitors and local residents. the springboard for visitors to the Park with a comprehensive visitor management scheme in place.

Main themes and Priorities

these are the main themes and priorities the community will focus on over thenextfiveyears,inpartnership with public agencies and other supporters.

Sport, recreation and Local environment

Improve our Local Infrastructure

Young People, Safety and the Local economy

Develop the Visitor experience


TOP PrIOrITIeS AS IDeNTIFIeD BY THe COMMUNITY:

Improved range of recreational facilities

Improved quality of the local environment

Maintained and improved public transport links

Better roads paths and services

Better provision of activities for young people

Maintain police presence

Develop training and employment opportunities

Better promotion of the area and it’s activities

renovation of key local landmarks

Increased range of tourist attractions & events


Sport, Recreation and local environment

ACTION POINTImproved range of recreational facilities

Review the current indoor & outdoor recreation provision and identify areas for improvement. involve people of all ages and abilities in the review process to ensure new provision meets the needs.Community Champion• environment trust• West dunbartonshire Council

Work with the local authority and sports providers to identify the appropriate location and funding for new, all weather, football pitches. Community Champion• West dunbartonshire Council• Community Council• Sports Scotland

ACTION POINTImproved quality of the local environment

ensure the condition of the River leven’s banks is not allowed to deteriorate. Agree a maintenance and management plan which will see the banks improved and the damage to the area from erosion reduced. Community Champion• SePA• West dunbartonshire Council• Community Council• national Park Authority

Work with the local authority to ensure adequate litter collection measures are in place for the summer season. (e.g. bins in appropriate places during busy weekends.)Community Champion• West dunbartonshire Council• Community Council

Aguidetothefirststeps to be taken over the next 12 months and beyond...

Access to good quality sports facilities and recreational activities is essential for the healthy development of both those within our community and those who chose to visit. Our location as a gateway to the national park provides great potential for outdoor pursuits and natural play developments however more could be done by the way of wet weather activities and team sports.

Our recreational parks and waterways require to be well maintained and protected against the effects of nature and humans alike.


improve local infrastructure and public transport links

Aguidetothefirststepstobetakenover the next 12 months and beyond.

ACTION POINTMaintained and improved public transport links

lobby for improved bus links to more remote areas as well and Citylink stopping at Balloch. Community Champion• Community Council

encourage tourist land train to extend their route to include Balloch and Balloch Castle Park. Community Champion• Cadona entertainments

develop redundant car park adjacent totheNPAHQasoverflowcarparkandtouring coach parking for the area.Community Champion• Community Council• national Park Authority• West dunbartonshire Council

ACTION POINTBetter roads paths and services

improve the quality of the Balloch public toilets. Possibly included pay as you go charges once upgraded.Community Champion• West dunbartonshire Council• Community Council• Strathclyde Passenger transport

lobby local authority to improve the quality and maintenance of main arterial routes, tourist areas and footpaths.Community Champion• Community Council• national Park Authority• West dunbartonshire Council


the Balloch and Haldane area is well served by public transport, acting as a hub for both train and bus services. localised improvements to these services as well as a coordinated approach to parking management and the movement of visitors could add greatly to the local offering.

Building on this, it is essential that an ongoing maintenance and repair programme is agreed for roads, paths and visitor facilities which make our community attractive to live in and visit.


ACTION POINTBetter provision of activities for young people

investigate the range of additional services that could be provided by Haldane youth Services.

Createaspecificyouthprojectfor12–18yearolds, involving young people in its development.

identify the best location, funding and delivery mechanism for a new and improved Balloch Skate Park.Community Champion• Haldane youth Services• Friends of loch lomond & the trossachs• West dunbartonshire Council

ACTION POINTMaintain police presence

Work with the nPA, police and others to ensure the current high level of policing during peak season is maintained for visitor management.

Work with young people and vulnerable groups to identify their concerns and alleviate these concerns.Community Champion• Police Scotland• Haldane youth Services

ACTION POINTDevelop training and employment opportunities

identify the preferred businesses to be encouraged to come to Balloch and complement those already here then work with local decision makers to attract them to the area.

improve the quality of the hospitality services within the local businesses through local staff training and celebration of achievements.

Work with the local Community Partnership to identify Skills shortages in the area and develop training and employment opportunities to meet it. Community Champion• local businesses• Community Partnership


young People, Safety and the local economy

young people are the future of any community and this plan aims to ensure that adequate provision is in place for young people to play, develop and eventually work in a safe and welcoming environment. Working closely with the nPA and local enforcement teams we aim to maintain our community as one which does not tolerate antisocial behaviour.

Our role as a centre for hospitality in the area should be developed. this vital sector for local employment should be championed and supported to meet it’s full potential.


ACTION POINTBetter promotion of the area and it’s activities

improve advertising of the area locally and nationally, highlighting the recreation, retail and leisure activities available.

improve the quality of signage throughout the community,boththresholdandwayfindingforlocals and visitors alike. Community Champion• West dunbartonshire Council• national Park Authority• local businesses• love loch lomond

ACTION POINTrenovation of key local landmarks

Restore Balloch Castle as a focal point for the area with the opportunity for community facilities, events and increased visitor attraction.

Restore the ‘Maid of the loch’ to her former glory and develop the visitor facilities necessary to ensure it is a year round success.Community Champion• West dunbartonshire Council• national Park Authority• loch lomond Steamship Company• visitScotland• Scottish government

ACTION POINTIncreased range of tourist attractions & events

develop a broad calendar of events providing year round attraction to the area with a diverse range of activities for people of all ages.

develop a summer festival involving local businesses, youth groups, schools and the national Park Authority.Community Champion• West dunbartonshire Council• local businesses• love loch lomond


Our community plays asignificantroleinthevisitor experience of those visiting the national Park and this plan aims to ensure that we maximise this opportunity making peoples visit to the area one that they will cherish, bringing them back time and again.

Current activities such as the annual dragon Boat Race, Highland Games, Kilt Walk and Great Scottish Swimattractsignificantnumbers of visitors to the area. through better promotion of the area, renovation of key local landmarks and an increase in the tourist offering we feel our community will thrive for generations to come.

improved visitor experience


Making it Happen

the Action Plan will be reviewed, every six months by the Balloch & Haldane Community Council with representatives from other community organisations. An annual delivery plan will be developed which will detail how the priorities for the coming year will be tackled. the Community Council will maintain this delivery plan as part of their twice yearly CAP review.

if you would like to get involved or seek further information on the delivery of this Community Action Plan please use the contact details on the page opposite for eachoftheidentifiedCommunityChampions.Alternatively,forgeneralinformation,contact the Balloch & Haldane Community Council via the details below:

Balloch & Haldane Community Council

name: Murdoch Cameron MBee-mail: [email protected]

or

name: Jim Biddulphe-mail: [email protected]

B A l l O C H & H A l d A n e

Strathclyde Partnership for TransportConsort House12 West George StreetGlasgowG2 1HN

t: 0141 332 6811e: [email protected]

VisitScotland.orgOcean Point One 94 Ocean DriveEdinburgh EH6 6JH

e: [email protected]

West Dunbartonshire CouncilGarshake RoadDumbarton G82 3PU

t: 01389 738282w: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Victoria QuayLeithEdinburgh EH6 6QQ

t: 0131 244 7410e: [email protected]: www.scotland.gov.uk

Balloch OfficeCarrochan 20 Carrochan Road BallochG83 8EG t: 01389 727770f: 01389 755387

Doges Templeton on the Green62 Templeton StreetGlasgow G40 1DA

t: 0141 534 6500f: 0141 534 6501w: www.sportscotland.org.uk

MILL OF HALDANE TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

42 Carmona DriveHaldaneBallochG83 8AJ

t: 01389752527m: 07988636430e: [email protected]

Carrochan 20 Carrochan Road Balloch G83 8EG t: 01389 722600 e: [email protected] w: www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

Love Loch LomondThe Old Station Building Balloch RoadBalloch G83 8LQ

t: 07425 175950e: [email protected]: www.lovelochlomond.com

Loch Lomond Steamship CompanyThe Pier, Pier RoadBalloch G83 8QX

t: 01389 711865e: [email protected]: www.maidoftheloch.com

National Park Police OfficerCarrochan 20 Carrochan Road Balloch G83 8EG

Tom WallaceCarrochan 20 Carrochan Road Balloch G83 8EG e: [email protected]: www.thecommunitypartnership.org.uk

Alice Blazy-Winning Carrochan 20 Carrochan Road Balloch, G83 8EG t: 01389 727761e: [email protected]: www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

C/o Haldane Primary SchoolMiller Road, HaldaneBallochG83 8AA

t: 01389 600367m: 0777 1182606

Community Championsthe priorities in this action plan will be taken forward by the following:

The Environment TrustStrathleven HouseVale of Leven Industrial EstateDumbartonG82 3PD t: 01389 757949e: [email protected]


Acknowledgements

Balloch & Haldane Community Action Plan Steering Group have prepared this community document. A special thanks to all Steering Group members for their time and dedication; Murdoch Cameron MBe (Chair), James McQueen (Secretary), Jim Biddulph, Alan Gardner, Andy McAulay, Angela Honthy, Alistair Bouttell, ian Gurr MBe, Jacqueline Bramham and lynn Campbell.

We are grateful to the following organisations for funding and assistance:

loch lomond & the trossachs Community Partnershipwww.thecommunitypartnership.org.uktel: 01389 727762

loch lomond & the trossachs national Park Authority www.lochlomond-trossachs.orgtel: 01389 722600

thanks to all of you who submitted photographs to use in this publication.

community action plan balloch haldane · 2019. 6. 8. · cosmetic improvements to the balloch...

Documents